Documents & Reports

Sierra Leone - Joint country assistance strategy for the period FY10-FY13 (English)

Abstract

Seven years out of brutal conflict, Sierra Leone is now peaceful and stable. Sierra Leone has already had two full-fledged, peaceful, and credible elections for President, Parliament, and local councils. The 2007 elections saw a peaceful and orderly transition... See More +Seven years out of brutal conflict, Sierra Leone is now peaceful and stable. Sierra Leone has already had two full-fledged, peaceful, and credible elections for President, Parliament, and local councils. The 2007 elections saw a peaceful and orderly transition of power from the government to the opposition party. While the daily economic and social hardships experienced by large parts of the population make peace and stability quite fragile, flashes of violence and potential relapses of stability have been few. A recent joint communique that outlined a concord of political behavior among the political parties exemplifies the growing maturity of the national dialogue. The strategy emphasizes broadly based, equitable growth and human development. Government will support the growth agenda through investment focused on three priority areas: (a) agriculture, (b) energy, and (c) transport infrastructure, all of which have significant potential to unleash growth. The human development agenda will focus on improved basic services in education, health, and water/sanitation, including an initiative to provide free healthcare for children and nursing mothers, starting in 2010. As underlying principles for these priorities, the strategy emphasizes private sector development, good governance, prudent management of natural resources, and macroeconomic stability. Key risk areas identified by the government include governance and corruption, youth employment, and illicit drugs (particularly transit activities). The Joint Assistance strategy (JAS) has a focus to help strengthen governance and address governance issues in operations, including proposals for a governance advisory group, a governance dialogue with the government, and guidance to JAS partner staff. Opportunities for private-sector-led growth are being sought in all sectors, including those dealing with human development. As gender disparities are a strong factor in Sierra Leone society, the JAS partners will address gender issues across their portfolio.
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